Holy Spirit powers revival and growth at Narwee Salvos

Georges River Councillor Christina Jamieson officially opens the Narwee CCC community garden.

BY LAUREN MARTIN

A community garden at The Salvation Army in Narwee, in Sydney’s south, is bringing local residents together in a meaningful way to connect with nature and each other.

In December last year, as part of its Christmas party celebrations, Georges River Councillor Christina Jamieson officially opened the Narwee CCC (Coffee, Chat, Connect) community garden.

The garden project had been months in the making. Materials were purchased through a local government grant, and volunteers spent many hours creating the space at the back of the former Narwee Corps hall, which is shaded by a beautiful gum tree.

Captain David Delany says God’s spirit of growth and transformation can be felt at Narwee CCC.

Narwee CCC is a Salvation Army Community of Hope, an outreach of the nearby Hurstville Corps, that began in 2024 under the leadership of Captain David Delany, a Hurstville team member. Situated in the heart of a public housing estate, the ministry is reviving the former Narwee Corps, which closed its Sunday services many years ago.

Residents gather on Wednesdays and Thursdays to connect over a cuppa, play games, enjoy a sausage sizzle and purchase low-cost groceries and fresh produce through a small Salvos pantry in the centre. Now, they can also access fresh vegetables and herbs grown in the community garden.

“We wanted to create a community garden at Narwee CCC because we saw it as an opportunity to bring people together meaningfully,” says David.

“The idea was to have a space where people could connect – with nature and each other. It’s about more than just gardening; it’s about fostering relationships, building community resilience, and addressing practical needs like access to fresh produce.”

There are more than just vegetables and herbs growing at Narwee CCC. The Holy Spirit is growing his church in this place, raising up local leaders and blowing fresh hope into an area where many residents feel forgotten.

The Narwee CCC community is run by a dedicated group of local volunteers, including Vinn (right), who cooks the barbeque every week.

“For me, the garden symbolises growth,” says David. “Not just of plants but of the bonds we share as a community. It's a place where people can share experiences, support one another, and feel like they're part of something bigger.”

“For many, it’s a peaceful spot to recharge and find a sense of calm in the middle of busy lives.”

Every volunteer role at Narwee CCC is filled by members of the local community, who are invested in and passionate about having the old corps back open as a space where they can connect and make new friends in a safe, supported environment. From cooking the barbeque to serving cups of tea to tending to the garden, these emerging local leaders are on a beautiful discipleship journey as they learn about God and The Salvation Army.

Georges River Councillor Christina Jamieson planting a vegetable at the official opening of the Narwee CCC community garden.

David says those who gather on a Wednesday or Thursday will often break into praise or prayer in response to a community member’s needs or news. A formal Bible study and a ‘Boost’ craft and chat group have started, focusing on proven, positive ways to improve wellbeing.

“Looking ahead, I’d love for the garden to become an educational hub where we can host workshops on gardening, composting, sustainable living and healthy eating,” says David.

“I want it to be a space where we can share knowledge, learn from each other, and grow together in every sense of the word. But beyond the practical side, the garden is also a space for people to gather, relax, and reflect. For many, it’s a peaceful spot to recharge and find a sense of calm in the middle of busy lives.”